Core Programme Clusters

Health Care for the Elderly

Multicentric study for health care status needs of the elderly

Service provision requires generation of an evidence base, and a multicentric study was planned to provide some leads in this important health area in 2002-03 under the Government of India – WHO collaborative programme with technical support from the WHO India Country Office. Ten sites were chosen across the country with a view to provide regional representation in the data generated, and medical colleges in these sites were given the responsibility to gather information based on a standard proforma developed for this purpose. Information was obtained from Vellore, Chennai, Delhi, Trivandrum, Chandigarh, Pune, Raipur, Shimla, Guwahati, and Jodhpur, covering 10,031 individuals. Information was collected on demographic variables, current health problems and complaints, social interaction, health care expectations, with examination by a physician, and laboratory investigations. The expected outcome of the study was generation of sufficient information to advocate, plan and implement interventions for this vulnerable population. All sites have completed the study in their respective areas. The report of the multi-centric study is in the final stages of development, and will be available in the public domain shortly.

Participating Institutions